Tacsat 3
Minotaur I
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mission
Tacsat 3
- Type: Technology
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
American eyperimental imaging satellite part of an effort to develop modular spacecraft buses.
Location
Launch Area 0 B
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
Launch Area 0 B has witnessed the launch of 8 rockets, including 8 orbital launch attempts. While Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA, has been the site for 84 rocket launches.
Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Rocket
Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I
The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. The first and second stages, taken directly from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, are mated to the Orion third and fourth stages taken from the Pegasus XL air-launched rocket family. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Tacsat 3 launch scheduled?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Tacsat 3 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Tacsat 3 mission launch from?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I rocket launched from Launch Area 0 B at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA. Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
What rocket was used for the Tacsat 3 mission?
The Tacsat 3 mission launched aboard a Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I rocket. The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. The first and second stages, taken directly from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, are mated to the Orion third and fourth stages taken from the Pegasus XL air-launched rocket family. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Tacsat 3 launch?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Tacsat 3 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Tacsat 3 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Tacsat 3 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Orbital Sciences Corporation live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.